The Bears Probably Want A Do-Over On That Marc Trestman Thing

Bears fans: do not look directly at the list of coaches that now-ex-GM Phil Emery turned down or alienated in order to hire now-ex-coach Marc Trestman two offseasons ago. It will just make you mad, and you don't really need that right now.

From CSN Chicago:

Emery's search in January 2013 to replace Smith narrowed to three finalists: reigning 2012 coach of the year and Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who has taken the Arizona Cardinals to seasons of 10-6 and 11-5, the latter getting the Cardinals into this year's playoffs; Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who was behind the drafting and development of quarterback Russell Wilson and the NFL's No. 11 scoring and No. 9 yardage offenses this season; and Trestman.

At the time, the plan was to retain the highly regarded [Rod] Marinelli to run the defense. And he had planned to, remaining on even after close friend Smith was fired. But back in mid-January 2013, as part of their final selection process for a head coach to replace Smith, Emery and the organization had Marinelli interview the three finalists for the head-coaching job.

Marinelli was asked to rank the three. He did. Arians was his runaway first choice; Bevell was the second; Trestman was a distant third.

Emery selected Trestman.

When he learned of the decision, Marinelli abruptly angrily resigned and left Halas Hall for Dallas and a de facto demotion to defensive line coach.

Marinelli is now the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, and has done a masterful job transforming a terrible unit into an entirely competent one.

Black Monday was disappointing in its predictability. But the coming days and weeks will more than make up for it, as local reporters can finally start sharing the dirt they've accrued in anticipation of the freedom to run it.

[ CSN Chicago]

H/t Chone